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Veteran Shan politician tours for 2010 polls |
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by Mizzima News
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Friday, 15 May 2009 14:23 |
New Delhi (Mizzima) – The veteran politician U Shwe Ohn from Shan State was on a 21-day tour in Shan State and met regional political parties, ethnic leaders and discussed with them the question of contesting the 2010 general election.
U Shwe Ohn (86), the author of 'Let's build unbreakable union' once established Shan State Nationalities' Party and is planning this time to form another political party called the 'Union Democratic Alliance' and is preparing to contest the 2010 general election.
Mizzima reporter Nem Davies interviewed him.
Q: Where did you visit?
A: I visited north and south Shan State. I also went to Taungyi, Yawngshwe, Kalaw, Mandalay and Lashio. My tour lasted from April 5 to 26. I went alone.
Q: Tell us a about the purpose of your visit.
A: We have to form a party soon called the 'Union Democratic Alliance'. We can carry out this work practically only when the Political Parties Law is enacted and published. In the meantime, we are in a preparatory stage.
Q: With which organizations did you meet? We heard that you met ethnic Wa organization too.
A: I met Wa people. I met Pa-O, Inn Tha in southern Shan State and met Wa, Lahu and Kokang when I arrived in northern Shan State. This is just an exploratory tour for preparing the ground, not working meetings. We haven't seen each other for a very long period. I met them and discussed with them as a preparation for future work.
Q: Is your tour satisfactory?
A: I've got unexpected results. It means I had lost contact with them for so long and we could rejuvenate our friendship warmly. We've gotan understanding with them, regained contact with them which will be useful for laying the foundation of our future works which will be carried out shortly.
Q: Do they agree to join your Union Democratic Alliance Party? Are there any differences with them?
A: Everybody agrees basically and everybody accepts it. There is no opposition and differences with us.
Q: Are there any specific demands and submissions to you from the ethnic organizations that you met?
A: There are no specific submissions at the moment as we are in the preparatory stage. We are doing the ground work to get ready when the Political Party Law is enacted and promulgated. We are just building bridges amongst us.
Q: Did you meet ethnic armed groups during your tour?
A: I didn't meet armed groups. As for the Wa, I met only with their over-ground organization stationed in the town. I met United Wa State Organization at their Lashio headquarters.
Q: With which Wa leader did you meet?
A: I met Phillp San. I didn't meet Wa armed groups directly. I met only political organizations. I told them to join hands where we can establish our political organizations. There are no more significant matters.
Q: Did the ethnic organizations talk of the 2008 constitution drafted by the junta? Are there any differences among you?
A: All accept the constitution. There were no arguments and differences over it.
Q: How do you view the current case of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?
A: I don’t know anything yet. I only know what was published in the papers. Apart from that, I have no idea about the rest of the facts. So I can't comment on the issue.
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